The Institute of Dentistry at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary, University of London, marks its centenary on 3 October 2011 – 100 years since the Institute began life, with four students, as the Dental School of the London Hospital Dental College.
From its humble beginnings the Institute of Dentistry has emerged as one of the UK’s leading dental schools with a reputation as a national and world-class centre of excellence, ranked 2nd out of 14 UK dental schools in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise.
The Institute’s record in delivering internationally recognised research in oral and dental sciences is a long and proud one, combining a strong tradition of clinical, epidemiological and public health research in dentistry with a solid basic science research base.
The student population includes 401 undergraduates; 36 trainee dental hygienists and therapists, 30 trainee dental nurses, 70 postgraduates, and 54 phd students. Two dental outreach centres – the award-winning clinic at Southend, plus one at Barkantine – offer unique training opportunities for students to utilise the skills they have acquired at the Institute, preparing them for the responsibilities of general practice whilst providing excellent and efficient dental care for local communities. For the past two years the University of London Gold Medal - awarded to the candidate who most distinguishes him or herself in the final Bachelor of Dental Surgery exams – has been awarded to Institute of Dentistry students.
The centenary is being marked with a gala dinner for former students and members of staff at the Royal Courts of Justice on Monday 3rd October followed by an academic conference on Tuesday 4th October.
Professor Farida Fortune said: “The centenary is a very special milestone for the Institute of Dentistry as we remember and celebrate our past and current achievements. As Dean for Dentistry and Director of the Institute I am very proud of our achievements as educators, researchers and clinicians.
"We have received many awards for innovation, and teaching and training, and continually strive to develop our programmes and activities. We look forward to many exciting developments ahead including the London 2012 Olympic Games, the opening of the new Royal London Hospital, and to replicating the success of our award-winning dental outreach clinics at additional locations in the future.
"I encourage you to visit our website to learn more about the Institute of Dentistry and look out for further details of centenary celebrations.”
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